A new building had been completed for Otan's public school; which is the only school in the town. 32 students frequent the school and they are organized into two classrooms, and 3 levels (grades) in each classroom. Two teachers take care of running the school, assisted with two other part timers for English language and art.
Since early 1980s Syria has enforced an arabization movement, that dimished the learning of foreign languages, such as French & English. About five years ago English is being reintroduced shyly in the schooling system. First highschoolers got one credit of English, and gradually elementary grades now take one hour of English language per week, when circumstances allow. There are but very few teachers of English language and fewer parents who can accompany their children in this domain. However, the fast spread of satelite TV, even in poor neighborhood, is bringing mondiality and globalization to almost every house.
I was surprised when visiting Otan's school by its modesty and small size. As most of the young families move to large urban centers, such as Homos, in search for better jobs and education for their children. Another fact moved me, was to listen to the little children who greeted me, shooting out: "يحيا البعث"; which means "Viva the Baath party". Knowing that the Baath has been since mid 1960s the only political and social party active in Syria. Other parties had been lately allowed, but only to give to outside world the idea that democracy is prospering in Syria. However, the true values of democracy seem tooo far from Syria's current situation.